25823, Coal City, West Virginia Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 25823, Coal City, West Virginia is 84 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 25823 has some form of health insurance. 92.79 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 39.90 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase. Military veterans should know that percent of the residents in the ZIP Code of 25823 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 52 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25823. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 168 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,622 health care providers accessible to residents in 25823, Coal City, West Virginia.

Alzheimer's disease presents a significant challenge, particularly in areas with limited access to specialized care. This analysis examines the landscape of Alzheimer's support within ZIP Code 25823 (Coal City, West Virginia), focusing on primary care physician availability, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide an Alzheimer's Score, a subjective assessment of the area's preparedness to address the needs of individuals and families affected by this debilitating disease.

The primary care physician (PCP) is often the first point of contact for individuals experiencing cognitive decline. The physician-to-patient ratio in Coal City is a critical factor. A high ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Researching the specific physician-to-patient ratio in 25823 is crucial, using data from the West Virginia Board of Medicine and the US Census Bureau. If the ratio is unfavorable, this immediately lowers the Alzheimer's Score.

Coal City's primary care landscape is likely characterized by a mix of solo practices, small group practices, and potentially affiliations with larger healthcare systems. The quality of care varies significantly. Some practices may have physicians with specialized training in geriatric medicine or cognitive disorders. These physicians would be a significant asset to the community, and their presence would elevate the Alzheimer's Score. Conversely, practices lacking this expertise would negatively impact the score.

The adoption of telemedicine is another important factor. Telemedicine offers several advantages, especially in rural areas. It can improve access to specialists, reduce travel burdens for patients and caregivers, and facilitate remote monitoring of patients' conditions. Practices in Coal City that have embraced telemedicine, particularly for neurological consultations or medication management, receive a higher score. The extent of telemedicine adoption can be assessed by contacting local practices directly and reviewing their websites.

Mental health resources are vital for Alzheimer's patients and their families. The emotional and psychological toll of the disease is immense. The availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups significantly impacts the quality of life for those affected. The presence of these resources in or near Coal City directly affects the Alzheimer's Score. A lack of these resources would lower the score.

Standout practices within Coal City can be identified by examining their websites, reading patient reviews, and contacting local healthcare organizations. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to Alzheimer's care, such as offering memory screenings, providing caregiver support groups, or participating in research studies, would score highly. The Alzheimer's Score would also be positively influenced by practices that are part of larger healthcare systems, as they may have access to more resources and specialists.

The Alzheimer's Score is not just about the presence or absence of resources; it also considers the accessibility and affordability of care. If the available resources are difficult to access due to long wait times, transportation challenges, or financial constraints, the score will be negatively affected. The cost of care, including physician visits, medications, and therapy, is a significant concern for many families.

The overall Alzheimer's Score for Coal City (25823) is likely to be moderate, based on the factors discussed. Rural areas often face challenges in healthcare access, including a shortage of specialists and limited resources. However, the presence of dedicated primary care physicians, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources could improve the score.

To improve the Alzheimer's Score, Coal City could benefit from several initiatives. Recruiting more geriatric specialists, expanding telemedicine services, increasing the availability of mental health resources, and providing caregiver support programs would all be beneficial. Community education programs about Alzheimer's disease and its early detection are also essential.

The Alzheimer's Score is a dynamic measure. It reflects the current state of Alzheimer's care in Coal City and can be used to track progress over time. Regular assessments and updates are needed to ensure that the community is meeting the needs of individuals and families affected by this disease.

The process of gathering information for the Alzheimer's Score involves several steps. First, research the physician-to-patient ratio in the area. Second, identify the primary care practices and assess their expertise in geriatric medicine and cognitive disorders. Third, investigate the adoption of telemedicine. Fourth, evaluate the availability of mental health resources. Fifth, identify any standout practices. Sixth, consider the accessibility and affordability of care. Finally, assign a subjective score based on the gathered information.

The Alzheimer's Score is not a definitive rating, but a snapshot of the current state of affairs. It is intended to be a starting point for discussion and action. It can be used by healthcare providers, community leaders, and individuals to advocate for improved Alzheimer's care in Coal City.

For a comprehensive visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Coal City, including the locations of physicians, hospitals, and mental health resources, and the ability to analyze these data points geographically, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive maps that can help you visualize and understand the complex interplay of healthcare resources in your community.